Blog

The
usual answer you get in AA/NA is that "Nobody knows what causes it" or
perhaps you might get someone who will say "Genetics" and cite twin
studies. Some hold on to the misguided and discredited notion that
Alcoholics process alcohol differently. Some will say it is an allergy.

Researchers are now beginning to understand more, although this may
threaten some sacred cows of many regarding Alcoholism and Addiction:

"'These high rates of childhood victimization in individuals with
PTSD and alcohol and other substance-related problems suggests that
there is a link between childhood adversity and the development of these
disorders, although it is impossible to establish a direct causal
relationship. However, even when studies control for demographic
differences, family discord, and parental pathology, the specific
relationship between childhood abuse and the development of substance
use disorders holds true."

"Early-childhood trauma is strongly associated with developing
mental health problems, including alcohol dependence, later in life.
People with early-life trauma may use alcohol to help cope with
trauma-related symptoms. This article reviews the prevalence of
early-childhood trauma and its robust association with the development
of alcohol use disorders and posttraumatic stress disorder."